Here are some things to look for when Auburn plays LSU tonight...

LSU (3-0 overall, 0-0 in the SEC) at Auburn (1-2 overall, 0-1 in the SEC)

The details:

When: 6 p.m. CDT

Where: Jordan-Hare Stadium, Auburn

TV: ESPN

Line: LSU is a 20.5-point favorite

This game will determine ...

Whether Auburn can play with the upper echelon of the SEC. The Tigers couldn't last season, save for a win over South Carolina.

Three things to look for:

1. Auburn's running game. The prediction that Auburn would have the fewest passing yards in the SEC is holding firm, but that means the Tigers will have to run against a tough defensive line. Auburn will want to run first if, for no other reason, to take as much time off the clock as possible.

2. Special teams. Auburn's kickers and returners have been a happy, steady unit this season, as it was last season, and for the Tigers to win, it'll have to be again Saturday.

3. Defensive line play. Defensive ends Corey Lemonier and Dee Ford are getting the sacks, but the Tigers simply have to do a better job stopping runs up the middle. Who says? Gene Chizik says. He named names in the defensive line Thursday night on guys he's counting on.

Key matchup:

Auburn's defensive line versus Zach Mettenberger. The LSU quarterback is winning accolades for his start (Why not? He's completed 73 percent of his passes), but he's never started against an SEC team or started on the road. Perhaps Auburn will try to put the game in his hands and take its chances.

By the numbers:

1 — Where LSU is ranked in the SEC in scoring and rushing offense, and total and rushing defense.